The flowers linked to your birth month have really amazing stories behind them! There’s everything from mythology to old-timey traditions and centuries-old symbolism. Birth flowers carry deep meanings, from February’s loving violets to September’s star-shaped asters. So, if you’ve never looked up your birthday bloom before, now’s your chance to discover the hidden meaning behind every petal — Norton’s Florist, the top flower shop in Birmingham, is spilling all the tea.

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

A Mediterranean native, the carnation has been adored since ancient Greek and Roman times when it was frequently featured in coronations and celebrations. Its Greek-derived genus, Dianthus, translates to “flower of the gods.” Snowdrops, though small, are fierce winter survivors. In Christian folklore, an angel turned snowflakes into these white blooms, gifting them to Adam and Eve as a symbol of hope.

February: Violet, Iris

Violets, with their heart-shaped petals, have long been symbols of love and fertility. Cherished from Ancient Greece to the Victorian Era, they have been an ingredient in love potions and romantic works of art. Irises, named after the rainbow goddess, Iris, symbolized divine connection in both Greek and Egyptian mythology. Their beauty was so striking that even Van Gogh was inspired by them.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Daffodils have a dramatic backstory—legend says they sprouted where Narcissus (son of the river god Cephissus), mesmerized and deeply in love with his own reflection, wasted away. In his place, Narcissus (the daffodil genus) blossomed. Welsh folklore flips the script, making daffodils a symbol of good luck and prosperity for anyone who sees the first bloom of spring. Jonquils, a fragrant cousin, bring romance into the mix, balancing self-love with love for others.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

Daisies, linked to Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility, have symbolized romance and renewal for centuries. Some historians believe they are one of the oldest flowers on the planet, appearing in ancient carvings millions of years ago. Sweet peas, introduced to Europe by a Sicilian monk in the 17th century, quickly became beloved for their beauty and scent. In France, they were a wedding tradition given to new brides to bring happiness and longevity to their marriage.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley has an ethereal past—Apollo supposedly planted them for nymphs to walk on, and Christian tradition links them to the tears of Mary (as her son died on the cross) or Eve (as she left the Garden of Eden). Hawthorn, a favorite in Celtic culture, was a key icon in Beltane festivities, symbolizing renewal and the arrival of warmer days. Many believed it had a direct tie to the fairy world, making it a powerful protector.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Cleopatra wasn’t shy about her love for roses—she filled entire rooms with them to impress Mark Antony, making the flower an enduring symbol of romance. Their cultivation traces back thousands of years to China, proving their timeless appeal. Honeysuckle, named for its sweet nectar, was a favorite among Druids, who saw it as a bringer of joy. European myths took it even further, believing it provided luck and protection to those who kept it near.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

Delphiniums get their name from the Greek word for dolphin, thanks to their uniquely shaped petals that resemble a bottlenose. Some myths claim they formed from the blood of a blue-blooded dragon, while others say they were present at the Battle of Troy. Water lilies, on the other hand, have been divine symbols for centuries—revered by the Egyptians as sacred to Ra and tied to Greek water nymphs. Their relative, the lotus, is central to Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, representing wisdom and spiritual awakening.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus, also known as sword lilies, were worn by gladiators in battle during Ancient Roman times. After a successful feat, gladiolus were tossed to champions in celebration of their bravery. Poppies, symbols of sleep and rebirth in ancient cultures, have taken on a solemn role today, serving as flowers of remembrance for those who have fallen in war. Both August’s birth flowers tell a story of resilience and honor.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters shine bright with a name that means star in Greek, making them a celestial beauty. Morning glories, however, carry a bittersweet tale—Japanese mythology tells of them flourishing where Izanami, goddess of creation and death, was laid to rest, representing her love and beauty. Their brief bloom reminds us that love, even when fleeting, leaves a lasting impact.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds are more than just vibrant blooms—they play a sacred role in Dia De Los Muertos, helping guide spirits back to their loved ones. In India, they symbolize good fortune and are used in Diwali celebrations and wedding garlands. Cosmos, with their evenly spaced and organized collection of petals, are named after the Greek word kosmos, representing harmony and order. Their flawless symmetry is said to reflect the balance of the universe.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums, often called The Queen of Fall Flowers, have a name meaning golden flower, making them the ultimate autumn royalty. Peonies, on the other hand, have a past filled with mythological drama—Aphrodite’s jealousy led to Paeonia’s (a nymph) transformation, while Zeus used the flower to shield Paeon (a healer) from his envious teacher.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Holly, once sacred to the Druids, was thought to bring luck, protection, and fertility, making it a powerful winter symbol. It later became a Christmas tradition, representing life’s endurance in the darkest season. Narcissus, however, comes from a myth with a bit more edge—Narcissus, captivated by his own reflection, faded away, leaving behind golden flowers in his place. (This should sound familiar!) His story warns of self-obsession, but his flowers continue to symbolize hope and transformation.

Now that you’ve got the 411 on birth flowers, it’s time to turn that knowledge into the perfect gift. At Norton’s Florist, we create arrangements bursting with symbolism, beauty, and thoughtfulness—because every bloom tells a story.